Is Genetic Testing For Me? NWH Genetic Counselor Explains What To Consider

Are you concerned about hereditary risk for breast and ovarian cancer? See if genetic counseling is right for you. Learn about risk analysis for breast and ovarian cancer, the BRCA test and breast cancer risk assessment.
Video Credit: Northern Westchester Hospital

From smiles to a sense of humor, many of our best characteristics are passed down from generation to generation. Unfortunately, hereditary illnesses are also commonly shared traits among families, the most serious of these being cancer. Thankfully for Westchester County residents, Northern Westchester Hospital's cancer genetic testing services help identify and treat those predisposed to the disease.

While most cancer is not hereditary, approximately 5 to 10 percent of all cancer is hereditary -- meaning it is passed between generations. The most common hereditary cancer syndromes associated with increased risk include hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, Lynch Syndrome and other more rare syndromes causing a variety of cancer risks.

For those who may be predisposed to cancer through genetics, Northern Westchester Hospital is able to pinpoint potential illnesses through cancer genetic counseling. During the program, a genetic counselor will determine if a patient should be offered genetic testing for hereditary cancer such as screening for the BRCA and/or other genes. The counselor will review personal and family history, determine appropriate testing options and explain the recommendations for hereditary cancer syndromes.

To help better identify predispositions, recent cancer genetic testing options increased to include multi-gene testing. As a result, patients may have the option to have testing of up to 50 genes related to hereditary cancer, providing an even more complete health analysis.